I've been modelling, painting miniatures and wargaming since I was a wee lad in Swansea, this blog details some of my interests - I hope that you like it.
In 2010 I started a new modelling venture - building 40mm AWI/ACW terrain pieces and designing 28mm masters, which are then cast and available for sale from Grand Manner. - All original images and text are copyright of A. S. Harwood (Dampfpanzerwagon)

Monday, 31 January 2011

The Fields of Death by Simon Scarrow

I am now about three-quarters of the way through this book, just past the Retreat from Moscow and the horrendous atrocities performed by both French and Russians. All this and the bitter winter. Simon Scarrow has captured the horror in a chilling and very realistic manner. The crossing at Studienka was a particularly harrowing read.

This morning the temperature in the Midlands has once again dropped - the car temperature gauge is reporting -5 and this is only a fraction of the temperature drop experienced in the retreat. It brings it home to me just how terrible this ordeal must have been.

I've enjoyed reading the very vivid accounts of the battles in Russian and the Peninsular. Scarrow has captured the 'feel' for both campaigns very well.

I am aware that there are other books in the series, but with a huge back-log of unread books from Christmas, I doubt that I will be going out and purchasing any for some time.

2 comments:

I'm halfway through the book, only up to 1810 just after Wagram, and I've gotta agree with what you've said, I've read the previous books in the series, they're all just as good, just might be worth getting the others, while you've got the Napoleonic taste!

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About Me

Born and brought up in Swansea, South Wales, I now live in Droitwich with my wife Sue. My daughter Holly is now working as a teacher in Stourport. My son, Gary lives in Leamington Spa with his Wife Beckie and our two Grandsons Finley and Charlie, but I still think of myself as a 'Jack' (an in-joke known to those of a certain age who count Swansea as their home town). Like my Grandfather, my Father and Uncle, I have made models, painted toy soldiers and wargamed since I was a very young boy and now feel privileged that I have the time to dedicate to my hobby. This Blog is a great way recording how I have developed as a modeller, but it's not ALL about model making. I hope you enjoy it. Tony